Giac (NOT) Hospitalized - Convalescing Update 2004

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: CapriUni
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 06:12 PM

{{{{{{Giac}}}}}}}

I've only "met" you briefly, a few times, in mudchat. But whenever I see your name in the list, I can be fairly sure it will be a lively session...

I expect to have many more sessions with you in there -- you hear?!

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: fat B****rd
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 03:10 AM

KInd thoughts and best regards from the fB.

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 05:43 PM

Any news?

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 09:42 PM

I have not heard any...

Callie, is there an address for cards?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Giac
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 11:21 PM

Mary had her first radiation treatment today (Wed) and is due to be released from the hospital tomorrow, with the treatments continuing for 4 weeks. I read the posts to Mary on the phone, and I think it was very uplifting. She said she was very fortunate to have so many good friends. You guys mean so much to her.

Her address is:

Callie

---

Mailing address deleted for safety's sake. Please send a personal message to katlaughing (click) to get a mailing address for Mary/Giac.
Thanks. All the best to you, Mary.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Feb 03 - 08:47 AM

I had a brief message from her at home & she sounded chirpy

sandra

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Feb 03 - 07:23 AM

I have no other information at the moment, but I believe Giac had emergency surgery last night. Does anyone have any news?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Escamillo
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 12:42 AM

I am holding you in my heart, Mary. My best wishes for a succesful treatment and prompt recovery. You do have hundreds of friends who will be with you through this.

Un abrazo,
Andrés

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Giac
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 02:29 AM

Humpf!!!!

I've made it back home again.

Friday, I started experiencing heavy bleeding and surgery was necessary to cauterize an area inside the bladder. Eeeyewww.

Such a nasty word -- cauterize. Conjures up images applying a hot branding iron to a wound. At least they could have let me bite on a bullet.

I was knocked out for that part of it, at least.

Required two units of blood to replace what had leaked out. It was from different donors, so now two wonderful folks who took time to donate are part of me, too.

You guys are the greatest! Thanks more than I can say for all your prayers and support ... and the Mudcat Love (as opposed to Muskrat Love) that knows no bounds.

Radiation resumes this morning (Monday), leaving 16 to go. Then we'll discuss chemo and/or other options.

To keep this musical, an aside about the CDs:

My radiation therapist plays guitar and was intrigued to hear about the Mudcat CDs. As he was leaving my hospital room during my previous visit, I asked if he would like to borrow Plum, as I had brought all five with me. (Not to be soppy, but it was a great comfort to have Mudcat there, thought I couldn't be here.) At any rate, he whirled about, plucked up the CD and put it in his pocket. At one of the radiation sessions, he went on and on about how much he likes the music. He hasn't returned the CD and, when asked, said he'd like to keep it just a little longer.

I pointed out the address for CAMSCO, and noted that he could have his very own set, for the low, low price of ...

One more note. I was in a surgical holding area for a bit, in a stupor, of course. After the surgery, one of the attending nurses sought me out to ask the title of a song she said I kept singing before they finally knocked me out. It seems it was "Rolling Down To Old Maui" (Celtic Soul?) I assume I was not trying to put in their wonderful harmonies. I had been listening to "Strawberry" just prior to going in. During previous surgeries, I have regaled O.R. personnel with Bob Dylan or John Prine selections.

Love you all so much. I'll check in again with updates, but may be spending some days abed.

Mary (Giac)

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: fat B****rd
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 03:16 AM

Welcome home, Mary. Good luck and long days from the fB XX

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: GMT
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 04:27 AM

Giac, still spreading the word eh.

You've got the right spirit. Plus look at all the good vibes heading your way.

Gary

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 05:51 AM

Mary, wouldn't it be wonderful if you had all those Mudcat performers actually in the room with you - (you do, ya know - a little crowded with all those guitars and such).

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Tinker
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 07:19 AM

Welcome home ! Keeping the music close seems a wonderful way to keep your mind on healing and not process.... You're close in our thoughts and prayers...

Tinker

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 07:39 AM

Good to see you're still chirping! And entertaining folks. According to report some folks use rude words in pre-and-post-operative mode. Singing sounds much better.

love from sandra

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: jimlad
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 07:45 AM

You're a brave lass,Mary

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 10:35 AM

"Humpf" right back atcha, dear. :~) Yes, you're going to have to endure people being sweet to you. "Humpf" away, and bear up as best you can; I know it can be a strain. :~)

So.... tell us the latest dog story, huh?

Keep kicking ass... if you need any assistant ass-kickers, I think you can recruit a few right here.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Morticia
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 11:40 AM

I'm so glad you're home....hosptals are full of sick people, did you notice? Now if I send you some funnies, are any stitches going to go pop or something equally disgusting?

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Schantieman
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 11:53 AM

All the best, Giac!

Steve

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: CapriUni
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 01:24 PM

From Sandra in Sydney: According to report some folks use rude words in pre-and-post-operative mode. Singing sounds much better.

I think it's because, while under the influence of the anasthetic, the conscious mind stops putting effort into maintaining the mask of niceness we're expected to wear in public, and folks let loose with the anger and frustration they feel.

If Mary was singing, it means she's just as nice and kind and basically joyful behind the mask as in front of it...

This does not surprise me in the least. :-)

Welcome Home, rest well, wake better...

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Kim C
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 04:24 PM

Have you a nice cuppa tea. I know you have a great big mug. ;-)

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: michaelr
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 09:11 PM

I broke my leg in a motorcycle accident (double compound fracture). I came to as they wheeled me out of the OR, and my first sensation was one of intense heat (I guess they put on the cast bandages boiling hot). I inquired: "Why is it so f@#&ing hot??"

...and several nuns turned to me and said "Shh... we don't allow that sort of language here!"

That's when I figured out I'd been taken to a Catholic hospital.

Mary, hang tough. Good thoughts coming at ya from NorCal!

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Genie
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 09:56 PM

Ewwww. Mary! That cauterization story brings back dreadful memories from my early teens. (I wasn't knocked out.) Glad you survived that and have a good plan for treatment. So glad you had Mudcatters with you at least on CD. And what a musical spirit you have -- singin' thru it all!

Keep on getting better, now, y'hear?

Genie

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Escamillo
Date: 15 Feb 03 - 08:52 PM

Anyone knows how is Mary doing ? I hope she's better.

Un abrazo,
Andrés

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: bfolkemer
Date: 15 Feb 03 - 10:00 PM

Giac/Mary,

More prayers coming from Gburg. As others have said, I don't know you (at least not yet), but it doesn't matter.


Beth

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Giac
Date: 16 Feb 03 - 11:13 AM

Hi, Andres, and all --

Thanks so much for your continued love and good wishes! As of today, I feel better and my appetite has returned (which may, or may not be a good thing **LOL**).

I am continuing radiation treatments (have about 12 to go) and hope to drive myself tomorrow to give my long-suffering friend, Laura, a break from tending to me. I'm able to skitter the few yards into the facility, so I should make it okay.

Most of you cannot begin to imagine what a powerful effect your prayers, good wishes and support have had on my mental state, as well as my physical endurance! It is truly powerful and I could feel you with me during the really bleak times.

Of course, I DID have the Mudcat CDs to sustain me! Powerful medicine in themselves.

After the radiation, I'm to start a course of chemotherapy. I'll keep you posted. Once again, I can't begin to express how much I love you all and appreciate your support.

Thanks,
Mary

(And, thanks, Kim C for the beautiful card, and Tinker for the CDs.)

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Feb 03 - 11:50 AM

You are the winner of the Jed Marum CD. It will be on it's way Monday if you PM me with an address.

Do not turn down a ride to your treatments. They wear you out and it is better not to drive. I admire your courage, GIAC. I would be sniveling about "unfair" etc. I will keep you close and have candles lit.

Mary

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Feb 03 - 12:54 PM

Giac, I concur with Mary. Don't try to drive yourself. It's amazing how far from home you can feel when you suddenly run out of the energy to get back there.

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Mudlark
Date: 16 Feb 03 - 08:50 PM

Hello Mary...I've not been on the computer much lately and have just now come upon this thread. Immediately went for a look at your picture so I could have you in my mind's eye. You are already well established in my ear, from lots of listening to Plum, and your wonderful contribution. I admire your courage and your spirit and your humor so much, and in reading thru these threads find out you love your dog and live in Arkansas (a place I lived in and loved for 13 years), which makes you feel like a kindred spirit (that and the way you are cradling your guitar lovingly!) I will keep you in my thoughts, surrounded by the good light and healing energy, and wish you a thorough and speedy recovery.

Having some health issues of my own I know how hard it is to take help sometimes...but you are in for the long haul, here, and need the loving help of those that want to care for you. Let them--it is a gift.

Nancy

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Feb 03 - 10:40 PM

I agree with Sins and Mudlark, et al, Mary. It is not easy to receive sometimes but it can be a part of healing; and, remember, it is important that we allow others the opportunity to give, as it can be equally healing for them!

Make sure that critter of yours passes on the Mudcat snogs coming your way and let the Light we send shine all the way round and through you. Keeping you in our hearts and thoughts,

Kat & Rog

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Feb 03 - 10:45 PM

Yeah, here's the trick-- let Laura take you to your treatment... save your energy for a pretty day to just go for a drive on your own! *G*

~Susan

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Feb 03 - 06:17 AM

I just got back online after 72 hours without Mudcat & found a message from Mary waiting for me. Great to hear that the treatment is helping, and I also send good wishes & hugs to Mary

sandra

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Art Thieme
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 10:41 PM

Mary, I do hope that things reverse and are better for you soon. And please know you raised my consciousness to the place where I now can see my humor at the expense of your territory was in bad taste and hurtful. I just thought I was being funny. Please--be well !!!!

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Escamillo
Date: 20 Mar 03 - 02:03 AM

How is Mary doing now ? We all hope she's better

Un abrazo,
Andrés

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 Mar 03 - 07:09 AM

Andres - Mary has been posting a bit recently - click on her name in one of her posts on this thread to see her recent contributions - or maybe send her a pm (which I'm gunna do)

sandra

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Giac
Date: 20 Mar 03 - 07:30 AM

Andrés and Sandra --

Thanks for your recent inquiry. I'm feeling quite a bit better, that is, getting some strength back. The surgery and subsequent radiation worked wonders in relieving the pain. The worst consequence was dibilitating weakness, but it has been a couple of weeks since the last radiation treatment and I get stronger daily.

I'm more able to sit at my computer for longer periods now, so I'm getting back in touch with the world (at least the Mudcat part).

At the end of the month I have an appointment with the chemotherapy doctor, so we'll see from there.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support and healing thoughts. I'm certain I would not have made it to this point without you!

It's a beautiful Spring here, and I thank the powers that be, and all of you that I'm able to enjoy it.

Mary

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: gnu
Date: 20 Mar 03 - 08:17 AM

It's a joy to hear you are enjoying spring.

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Kim C
Date: 20 Mar 03 - 09:41 AM

Go Mary! Go Mary! Go Mary! :-)

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Mudlark
Date: 20 Mar 03 - 02:11 PM

Hi Mary...Very good to hear from you and know that you are improving, and able to enjoy Spring. It is a time of rebirth and renewal and so it can be for you. Luckily, it doesn't take a lot of energy to enjoy the swelling birdsong, or see the new leaves beginning to turn the diciduous trees green again. Take care, you are in my thoughts... nancy

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Mar 03 - 05:22 PM

One day at a time, Mary. One treatment at a time. Wishing you snowdrops and daffodils on the Equinox.
Mary, too

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 20 Mar 03 - 06:27 PM

Mary, I hope you'll continue to get better and rebuild your strength, if only (for a start) to play the guitar for longer, go for walks with the dog, and keep in touch with the Mudcat. All the best!

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Escamillo
Date: 21 Mar 03 - 12:57 AM

Excellent news, Mary. Your joy will be our joy.

Un abrazo,
Andrés

Subject: RE: Giac Updates
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 11:56 AM

I have permission from Giac to share from some of the most recent updates. This time I'm giving them in her own words, minus the editing she often likes me to do to keep it less personal-- having just talked to her, I can say that Giac speaking for herself is about as clear as humans get, so I wanted you to hear her for yourselves.

Of course she continues to send out the funniest jokes I ever get in email. Here's a sample from June 18:
Martha and Edna, two widows, are talking. Martha says, "That nice George Johnson asked me out for a date. I know you went out with him last week, and I wanted to talk with you about him before I give him my answer."

Edna replied, "Well... I'll tell you. He shows up at my apartment punctually at 7 PM. And dressed like such a gentleman in a fine suit. And he brings me such beautiful flowers! Then he takes me downstairs, and what's there but a beautiful car... a limousine, uniformed chauffeur and all. Then he takes me out for dinner... marvelous dinner - lobster. Then we go see a show... let me tell you, Martha, I enjoyed it so much I could have just died from pleasure! So then we are coming back to my apartment and he turns into an ANIMAL. Completely crazy, he tears off my expensive new dress and has his way with me two times!"

Martha exclaimed, "Goodness gracious! ....so you are telling me I shouldn't go out with him?"

Edna answers "No... I'm just saying, wear an old dress."


Now, as to Giac herself-- well I won't share her encounter with the spider *G*G* at 2 AM in bed, but.....

June 22: A good friend of mine lost two dogs and two horses within the last year. They were all elderly and their demise was not unexpected, but quite traumatic in such a short time. Yesterday, she got a new horse, Scout, who is 3 1/2, half Morgan and half Mustang. He is wonderful! The woman from whom she got Scout, brought another horse along to keep him company for awhile, as he has never been alone. The companion, Trotter, is 18, a gorgeous sorrel and quite sedate. Hmmm, my friend thought. I'll bet Mary would want to ride him. (Gee, do ya think?) Some of you likely don't know that I spent most of my childhood and adolescence on horses. Sold my last one when I was around 33. I've ridden a few times in the interim, including on a couple of Brenda's horses, but the last time was around eight years ago just before her old mare went lame permanently (No, it wasn't my fault! Humpf!). When I was young I'd not have believed I'd could go that long without riding. We rode for about an hour and it was one of the best and happiest days I've had in maybe years!!! When I thanked her, my friend said the expression on my face and my four hours of constant chattering about it were worth it. She is a VERY GOOD friend.

July 12: Had [dog] Misty put to sleep this evening. She seemed to have had some sort of episode and began pacing the floor, then she was in obvious pain. She was 19, a Spitz, but most of all, a good friend. Emily [younger dog] and I will miss her. She is buried on a classic, steep, East Tennessee hillside, near a pond with lovely bog plants, and right by her friends Bear and Josie.

August 24: I just finished two weeks of oral chemo. My first blood work was good. They have delayed starting the infusions for a bit, hoping my back will get some better. The MRI revealed an excessive amount of de[ge]nerating bone stuff in my spine. It is greatly inflamed. I am, frankly, miserable. Can't sit for more than 20-30 minutes, can't stand that long. Spend most of my time on my back. Can't lie on either side (and certainly not on my stomach) due to previous surgeries. Good friends are helping me, and I get weekday Meals on Wheels now, too. That is a great thing because I can't stand long enough to do more than scramble eggs. I LIKE eggs, but after awhile, one does like a variety. This, being the South, means the meals are good home-cooked food; there's usually enough to have some left for supper, too.

Do not be alarmed if I don't answer [or post] promptly. I can't stand to sit at the computer very long and don't check email some days. As I needled the doctor: I'd be all right if I didn't have a broken back! She did not see the humor in it. Damn! Doctors take themselves so seriously. *Snerk, snerk*

A great by-product of this whole thing is that I have lost a lot(!) of weight. The medicos are concerned by such things, but I keep telling them to not dampen my extreme delight. Celebrate the little happinesses as they come, I say!

Keep chugging along, my friends.

-------------------------------------------------------------------


Giac is having some computer trouble now too, and will not be using her puder for a bit. I know of at least one email she sent that never arrived, so it's not the best way to message her for now. PMs are more reliable, but again, she's not booting up for now and when she resumes pudering, it will be brief stints and not too often. I have her phone number if anyone would like to pass some time with her (PM me and tell me how well you know her), and we're sending her some audio books and old radio shows. She deeply appreciates all your prayers, good thoughts, candles, etc.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 12:12 PM

I just saw this thread. Mary. Be well. Confound the damn doctors all you want, and keep 'em laughing. Remember the one about the urologist who sings the blues. Urethra Franklin. And then, one day, mention that those supositories are o.k. but they really taste terrible.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Aug 03 - 09:03 AM

Susan, please pass on a hug from me

sandra

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Aug 03 - 09:55 AM

I will, and I have gotten a number of PMs to share with her as well.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: GUEST,Kim C no cookie
Date: 27 Aug 03 - 05:01 PM

Susan, please give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek from me and Mister and our dogs. :-)

Subject: Jokes
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Sep 03 - 11:51 PM

I'm hoping to phone Giac tomorrow morning. Had a PM today indicating she's still not getting great 'pudering. I want to know what she knows about spiders-- she's been sending me the most beautiful closeup photos of spiders... and shared this in a recent message:

I leave the porch light on all night to draw prey for my spider friends. Besides these two [referring to photos sent], there are six other writing spiders on nearby shrubs. The one on the orange background has quite a temper. She violently bounces her web up and down when she sees the camera. They have company from a fat, red spider, but only at night. She builds her web around 10 p.m. and reclaims the silk around 3 a.m.

I'll check here for any additional thoughts to pass on to her before I call her.

Oh, and she's still joking-- here are a few of the latest.

~S~

=================================================================

WOMAN'S PERFECT BREAKFAST

She's sitting at the table with her gourmet coffee.
Her son is on the cover of the Wheaties box.
Her daughter is on the cover of Business Week.
Her boyfriend is on the cover of Playgirl.
And her husband is on the back of the milk carton.

=================================================================

WOMEN'S REVENGE

"Cash, check, or charge?" I asked, after folding items the woman wished to purchase. As she fumbled for her wallet I noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse.

"So, do you always carry your TV remote?" I asked.

"No," she replied, "but my husband refused to come shopping with me, so I figured this was the most legal evil thing I could do to him."

=================================================================

UNDERSTANDING WOMEN

I know I'm not going to understand women. I'll never understand how you can take boiling hot wax, pour it onto your upper thigh, rip the hair out by the root, and still be afraid of a spider.

=================================================================

And finally, this is too cute not to pass on...


A man walks into a pharmacy and wanders up and down the aisles. The sales girl notices him and asks him if she can help him. He answers that he is looking for a box of tampons for his wife.

She directs him down the correct aisle.

A few minutes later, he deposits a huge bag of cotton balls and ball of string on the counter. She says, confused, "Sir, I thought you were looking for some tampons for your wife?"

He answers, "You see, it's like this. Yesterday, I sent my wife to the store to get me a carton of cigarettes, and she came back with a tin of tobacco and some rolling papers; cause it's sooooooooooo much cheaper. So..... I figure if I have to roll my own ............ so does she."

=============================================================
=============================================================

###

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Sep 03 - 11:58 PM

Should also have mentioned, her back pain has been some better.

~S~

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Sep 03 - 05:16 AM

I had a nice visit with her, yesterday. She sounded really good, though her back was still bothering her. (She's like the rest of us...it gets to feeling better, she gets all active, doing stuff, it lets her know it's not happy!) She and Emily were having a fun time by the sounds of it. She's got the most beautiful, soothing, kindly voice; I could listen to her talk all day...:-)

luvyaMary...

kat

Subject: RE: Giac Hospitalized
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 Sep 03 - 10:21 AM

rest, & exercise in moderation, Mary - backs are very important! Don't overdo it

Have you been reading about our spiders in "Oz foray from Gaum & Maine?" (or is that Maine & Gaum?? - whichever, there are some great spider stories there & lots of other entertaining stuff, too

sandra